WorldGolf.com blogger Joel Zuckerman has won an International Network of Golf Media Award for his Pete Dye book, “Pete Dye-Golf Courses.” Click here to buy a copy. Awards in the 13 categories were announced Jan. 29 at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The International Network of Golf is a 19-year-old, non-profit networking organization that aims to enhance and promote communication and education in golf. Congratulations, Joel!

James Nitties carded an opening-round 6-under 65 at the FBR Open yesterday for a share of the lead. He’s tied with Lucas Glover. Local favorite Phil Mickelson had a disappointing day at TPC Scottsdale, finishing tied for 21st … Rory McIlroy leads after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic, having shot an 8-under 64. The 19-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland had nine birdies and one bogey … At TravelGolf.com, National Correspondent Tom Spousta previews this week’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Colin Montgomerie has been named as Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup Captain. Montgomerie, from Scotland, will take over for Nick Faldo, who was at the helm for the 2008 Ryder Cup when the U.S. soundly beat the European squad. Montgomerie is no stranger to the Ryder Cup, having competed eight times, and being a part of Europe victories five times. Overall, Montgomerie has played 36 Ryder Cup matches with 20 wins and seven halved. “The Ryder Cup has been a huge part of my life and the next 20 months leading up to the 2010 contest will be invigorating. I’ve enjoyed the thrill ...

Pat Perez won his first PGA Tour title Sunday at the Bob Hope Classic. Perez closed with a 3-under-par 69 for a 33-under 327 in the event … “I just tried to stay pretty even-keeled,” Perez told reporters. “I figured if I could just play solid and hit some good shots and kind of stay calm and think about what I’m doing out there, I was going to be fine.” Alvaro Quiros won the Qatar Masters Sunday, closing with a 3-under 69. He defeated Louis Oosthulzen and Henrik Stenson by three strokes … At TravelGolf.com, Mike Bailey writes about the South Course at ...

Pat Perez held onto his lead in the second day of play at the Bob Hope Classic, shooting a 9-under 69 Thursday. He became the first player in PGA Tour history to play a 36-hole stretch in a tournament in 20 under … Henrik Stenson carded a 6-under 66 in the first round of the Qatar Masters yesterday for a share of the lead. He had seven birdies at Doha Golf Club and is tied with Andrew Coltart and Miguel Angel Jimenez … Jose Maria Olazabal has offered himself as a captain for the European squad in the 2010 Ryder Cup ...

Pat Perez has the early lead at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic after opening with a 61 under ideal playing conditions Wednesday. Mike Weir and Bubba Watson are a shot behind … Golf great Seve Ballesteros has said the test results following his first course of chemotherapy were “quite good.” Ballesteros, 41, underwent four surgeries to remove a brain tumor last October. The five-time major winner begins his second course of chemo tomorrow … At TravelGolf.com, Brandon Tucker suggests a few places to play golf during the upcoming Super Bowl weekend in Tampa, Florida.

Zach Johnson won the Sony Open in Hawaii by two strokes Sunday. Johnson finished the tournament with a 5-under 65 to defeat David Toms and Adam Scott. This is Johnson’s fifth career victory … Tiger Woods praised his father and “the men and women in unfirom who serve our country and protect our freedom” at an inaugural celebration for President-elect Barack Obama Sunday … Meanwhile, Paul Casey took home the winner’s trophy at the Abu Dhabi Championship this week. Casey finished with a 2-under 70 for his first win since 2007 … “I have missed winning for the last two years, so this ...

Shigeki Maruyama shot a 5-under-par 65 yesterday for a one-stroke lead at the Sony Open. Geoff Ogilvy, who won the Mercedes-Benz Championship last week, is in second place … Vijay Singh, last year’s PGA Tour FedEx Cup winner, has had knee surgery and will be out of competition for the next three weeks. He had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Jan. 14 to repair torn cartilage. Singh hopes to return for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am … Meanwhile, Johan Edfors and Mikael Lundberg share the lead at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship after first round play. Padraig Harrington is five ...